Plans proceeding on ethanol plant

Monday, June 30, 2003

Southwest Biofuels LLC is continuing to move forward with its plans to build an ethanol plant west of McCook.

Van Korrell, president of AmFirst Bank and a member of the McCook Economic Development Corp. said the plan is continuing to progress. In order for the plant to be eligible for state tax incentives and ethanol credits, the facility must be in full production by June 2004, and developers fully plan to meet that deadline, Korrell said.

As part of the application process for the plant, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is asking for input from residents who may be affected by the facility.

In a legal notice published in today's edition of the Gazette, DEQ's Permitting Section Supervisor of the Air Quality Division, W. Clark Smith, said the public may request or petition for a public hearing or submit comments relative to the issuance of the proposed permit.

Any comments or hearing requests received by July 30 will be considered prior to the final decision to deny or issue the proposed permit.

In order to receive a permit, the ethanol plant must meet strict environmental safety requirements as laid down in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The proposed permit and supporting materials are available at the McCook Public Library.

Comments and requests should be mailed to Thuy Le, P.E. - Environmental Engineer, Air Quality Division - Permitting Section, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, PO Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509-8922.

The full legal notice may be seen on page 14 of today's Gazette.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: